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May E~News

Don't forget, additional information is available at the Fremont Neighborhood Service Center (NSC) which is located at 908 N 34th St.  You can reach the NSC by telephone at 206-684-4054.  We would love to hear from you!  

Bridging the Gap & Neighborhood Street Fund (NSF)/ Cumulative Reserve Fund (CRF)    Money and resources are available for groups and individuals to get involved in improving their neighborhoods. The annual Neighborhood Street Fund dollars including Bridging the Gap transportation levy funds approved last November are available now. Individuals and groups are encouraged to submit ideas on how to spend these transportation improvement funds. Like the Matching Fund, the Neighborhood Street Fund will contain a larger project fund and a smaller project fund. Applications for both larger projects and smaller projects are due May 18th. Bridging the Gap Levy Funds Available- (Larger Transportation Projects) Thanks to voters’ passage of the Bridging the Gap levy last fall, we are introducing a new funding opportunity to support larger, or more complex neighborhood transportation projects. Using a one-page form, community members are being asked to identify specific transportation concerns in their neighborhoods. The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will then evaluate the ideas, and using a review committee of neighborhood volunteers, will make project funding recommendations to the Mayor and City Council. Neighborhood Street Fund and Cumulative Reserve Fund (NSF/CRF) -(Smaller Transportation and Parks Projects) Approximately $1.2 million is available for community-identified park or transportation projects. The Seattle Parks or SDOT will evaluate projects for feasibility and cost. The 13 District Councils will then prioritize the most doable projects in each of their Districts. The city is seeking broad public input in identifying transportation and parks projects for implementation over the next several years. The intent of this program is to insure that our communities have a voice in this process and that the best results possible are achieved. Application materials and additional information are available at the Department of Neighborhood website: http://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/btgnsfcrf/

Construction Update- Upcoming Construction Work on Dexter Avenue N   Starting this week the contractor will perform pavement grinding work on Dexter Avenue N between Denny Way and Mercer Street.   There will be NIGHT WORK on Wednesday, Thursday and possibly Friday, May 2 thru 4th.  Work will begin each night at 7:00PM and continue through the next morning.  One lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained at all times. Over the next two weeks, the contractor will continue with curb ramp/sidewalk work, and concrete pavement and roadway base repair.     You can expect the following construction work hours and traffic restrictions: Normal work hours for the contractor will be 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Dexter Ave N (Southbound): All lanes will be open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM, Monday through Friday. Traffic maybe reduced to one lane in each direction at other times. Dexter Avenue N (Northbound):  All lanes will be open from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Monday thru Friday.  Traffic may be reduced to one lane in each direction at other times. On-street parking will be prohibited as needed to perform construction work in a safe and efficient manner. Business access will be maintained Bicyclist traffic may have to merge with vehicular traffic.  Appropriate signs will be posted. Water Main Break Update: Water service has been restored to the area.  We are making every effort to keep the project moving while we coordinate the repair and restoration efforts related to this incident.  If you have questions about your water service, please contact the Seattle Public Utilities Customer Claims Advocate at 684-5806.  If you have not received a claim form you can obtain one from the following website link: http://www.seattle.gov/riskmanagement . SDOT will distribute notices with updated information as needed during the project.  For more information, please contact either of the following: George Frost                                                                        Jessica Murphy, P.E.                                           Public Outreach Coordinator                                                 Project Manager                                       (206) 615-0786                                                                    (206) 684-0178 george.frost@seattle.gov                                                       jessica.murphy@seattle.gov   If you would like more project information, or would like to receive e-mail updates, please visit SDOT’s website at http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/denny_dexter_mercer_pave.htm

Seattle's Annual Spring Clean Event Spring Clean is Seattle's premier clean up event and part of Mayor Greg Nickels' Clean and Green Seattle initiative. Now in its 21st year, Spring Clean provides opportunities for citizens to clean up Seattle's public open spaces of their choice with city support. Typical projects undertaken by citizens include litter pick ups, invasive plant removal, storm drain stenciling, graffiti removal, and general area beautification. City support includes planning assistance, tools, gloves, safety vests, disposal bags, transfer station passes, and waste pick ups. Once again, Seattle Public Utilities is partnering with Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods on the event. So if you have a project that needs some clean up work, as long as it is on City of Seattle property, we can help! Spring Clean begins Saturday, April 1st, 2007 and runs through Sunday June 3rd, 2007. If you are interested in participating, please complete and mail in the registration form (pdf) to be eligible for resource support. For additional information, visit Seattle Public Utilities Spring Clean .

Workplace Disaster Preparedness Training Whether you are a business owner, a manager or an employee, disaster preparedness is critical to your bottom-line and to the welfare of your fellow employees.  The Red Cross Workplace Disaster Preparedness Program is a 60- to 90- minute module, with a focus on potential Northwest area natural or man-made disasters. It is brought directly to your workplace complete with disaster products and materials. For more information visit Seattle Red Cross . If you are a community group – PTA, faith-based group, senior group, etc. – interested in community disaster education click here.

Land Use Code Enforcement Ordinances Public Hearing May 9, 2007 2 p.m. City Hall, 600 Fourth Ave-2nd floor   The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) is proposing three ordinances intended to improve the department’s ability to enforce codes and gain compliance when property owners violate City codes, such as by turning backyards into junkyards, refusing to repair dilapidated buildings, or letting bushes and weeds overgrow sidewalks and street signs. The ordinances would amend the Land Use, Housing and Building Maintenance (HBMC), and Weeds and Vegetation Codes to: ·         Expedite Notices of Violation (NOVs) by using first class mail rather than certified mail; ·         Rely on recent information technology to provide information on violations to members of the public including potential purchasers of property, and make optional the recording of Notices of Violation (NOVs) with the King County Recorder’s Office; ·         Restore the NOV process for Minimum Fire and Security Standards; ·         Add options for fines for violations of the HBMC by increasing the cumulative civil penalty from $15 per unit a day to an upward limit of  $500 per unit a day and toughening the alternative criminal provision; ·         Add options for fines for violations of the Land Use Code by increasing the cumulative civil penalty from $75 a day to an upward limit of $500 a day and toughening the alternative criminal provision; ·         Simplify weeds and vegetation enforcement by creating a citation process for violations of rules against vegetation encroaching on streets, with a fine of $150 for the first violation and $500 for the second violation;  ·         Create a summary abatement procedure for uncorrected weeds and vegetation violations in the public right-of-way; and ·         Make other minor changes. INFORMATION AVAILABLE Copies of the proposal may be obtained at the DPD Public Resource Center, 700 5th Avenue, Suite 2000 in the Seattle Municipal Tower.  The Public Resource Center is open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. Questions regarding the proposal may be directed to Darby N. DuComb, DPD Code Compliance Manager, at (206) 684-3781 or via email at darby.ducomb@seattle.gov, or to Bob Morgan, City Council Central Staff, (206) 684-8150, or via email to bob.morgan@seattle.gov.

Getting Prepared Can Be A SNAP! Find Out How….. Seattle Neighborhoods Actively Prepare is the newest preparedness program being offered by the city. The programs below are being offered throughout the city to help you, your family and your neighborhoods become better prepared for the next disaster. Come and learn how to put together a disaster supplies kit, create a family disaster plan and organize with your neighbors to take care of each when disaster strikes. Location Date Time Ballard Community Center 6020 28th Ave NW 98107 Saturday, May 5 10-11:30 a.m. Downtown West Precinct (Seattle Police Department) 810 Virginia Street 98101 Thursday, May 10 7-8:30 p.m. Miller Community Center 330 19th Ave E 98112 Wednesday, May 16 7-8:30 p.m. Rainier Beach Family Center 8825 Rainier Ave S. , 98118 Tuesday, June 5 7-8:30 p.m. Meadowbrook Community Center 10517 35th Ave NE 98125 Saturday, June 16 10-11:30 a.m.

Fremont Chamber of Commerce May Meeting Wednesday, May 16, 2007 11:50 to 1:00 p.m. Courtyard by Marriot, 925 Westlake Ave North   Guest speaker will be Charlie Sheldon, Port of Seattle's Seaport Deputy Director, with a presentation on the state of the Port, and bringing us up to date on projects such as the Cruise Terminal relocation, capital improvements at Fishermen's Terminal, and Shilshore Bay Marina, and King County-Port land swap agreement.  Please RSVP by calling 206.632.1500, or email to fccdirector@qwest.net .

South Lake Union Chamber of Commerce May Meetings Event Date Time Location Chamber Social Thursday, May 10, 5-7pm  South Lake Grill- 1253 Thomas Street Chamber Breakfast Meeting Tuesday, May 22 7:30-9am Pan Pacific Hotel- 2125 Terry Avenue For more information contact Jason McKinney at 206-547-2577 or Jason@SLUChamber.org

King County Environmental Funding Opportunities   The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks is soliciting proposals for Grants up to $50,000 for community projects that protect or improve watersheds, streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, tidewater and upland habitat. Projects must have a demonstrable positive impact on the waters and lands of King County. Examples of Projects Water quality protection measures, such as non-polluting landscaping or livestock management Water re-use demonstration project Stream, lake, wetland and shoreline restoration Long-term stewardship of a body of water Water quality monitoring Restoring an urban forest Creating new wildlife habitat Grant Types: There are three types of grants: Micro-grants up to $500, Small Change for a Big Difference grants up to $2,500 and competitive grants up to $50,000.  Location and types of projects determine the maximum award.  In 2007, the deadline for all applications is May 15, 2007.  For an application and more information visit the Grant Exchange website.

Wallingford Farmers Market Returns May 16th Stop by the parking lot of Wallingford Center (45th and Wallingford Ave) every Wednesday from 3 to 7 PM .

What You Can Do to Reduce Global Warming When we make everyday choices to be part of the solution to climate change, we make a big difference.  And when we pool our resources, and work together, we achieve things we could never have achieved alone. The City of Seattle's Neighborhood Matching Fund has designated a specific source of funding to support YOU and your neighbors in making your local climate protection dream a reality-and to have fun and build community while doing it! Since cars and trucks are the single biggest contributor to climate disruption in Seattle, creative strategies that help us go car-free or make driving more efficient and cleaner are winning climate protection actions.  Likewise, there are many innovative money-saving, life-enhancing and climate-protecting ways to save energy - electricity and natural gas.   Who is eligible to apply for funding? - Neighborhood-based organizations of residents or of businesses - Local, community -based organizations that advocate for the interests of people of color - Ad-hoc groups of neighbors who form a committee solely for the purpose of designing and carrying out a specific project When is the deadline? The Neighborhood Matching Fund accepts funding applications in four rounds each calendar year.  Deadlines are firm.  Applications must be submitted by 5:00pm on the date of the deadline.  The submission deadlines for the Small and Simple fund for 2007 are: - July 9th - October 1st How much funding may be requested? Projects seeking funding under the Small and Simple grant program may request up to $15,000. These projects should be able to be completed in six months or less. What is the application process? The first step in the application process is to speak with a Neighborhood Matching Fund project manager to discuss your idea and learn more about the process!   Call 206-684-0464 to set up an appointment or find out where and when the next technical assistance workshop is offered.  For general information about this or other community-building opportunities, or to download application guidelines and forms, please visit the Neighborhood Matching Fund web site: www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/nmf

Coffee Hours at the Mayors Office for Senior Citizens Thursday, May 17, 2007 10–11 a.m. Central Building810 3rd Avenue (between Columbia & Marion) 4th Floor Boardroom Special Guest: Michael Killoren, Mayor's Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs   As director of the Mayor's Office for Arts and Cultural Affairs, Michael Killoren promotes the value of arts and culture in and of communities throughout Seattle.  The office manages the City's public art program, provides funding and technical assistance to artists and arts organizations, and supports arts training, education and economic development, with the support of a 15-member Seattle Arts Commission.

Neighbor Appreciation Day Cards are Now Available! Neighbor Appreciation Day greeting cards are available free to organizations and individuals throughout Seattle. The card is suitable for use throughout the year.  If you would like to send cards to citizens in recognition of their special contributions to their neighborhoods, please contact Peter McGraw at 615-0950 or peter.mcgraw@seattle.gov and let him know how many you need.  They are also available at all Neighborhood Service Centers, Community Centers, Seattle Public Libraries, and City Hall.

Energy and Utility Assistance Get help with your utility bills! The City of Seattle's Utility Assistance Program helps eligible low-income families, seniors, and adults with disabilities keep utility payments current. Emergency funds help eligible Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities customers who face electrical and water disconnection. For information, call 206-684-0268.  Interpretation services available.

Fremont Library May Programs 731 N. 35th St. Talk Time - ESL Conversation Group Tuesdays: 2:30 P.M.- 4:00 P.M. 5/1/2007, 5/8/2007, 5/15/2007, 5/22/2007, 5/29/2007 Come to a free English as a Second Language (ESL) conversation group to practice speaking English. This program is for learners at all levels. No registration is necessary. For more information, please call (206) 684-4084. This program is put on in partnership with Literacy Source.   Fremont Evening Book Group Tuesday: 5/8/2007 6:30 P.M.- 7:45 P.M. This month’s title: "Giovanni´s Room" by James Baldwin David, an American expatriate in Paris , attempts to repress his homosexuality by proposing to Hella Lincoln, but finds that he is unable to continue to live a lie when he meets Giovanni, an Italian bartender.   Toddler Story Time Thursdays: 11 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. 5/3/2007, 5/10/2007, 5/17/2007, 5/24/2007, 5/31/2007 Toddlers and their caregivers are invited to enjoy stories, music and other fun activities.

Lake Union District Community Meeting Calendar Get involved in your Neighborhood!  For more information on community organizations and meeting places, please call the Fremont Neighborhood Service Center at 206.684.4054 South Lake Union Friends and Neighbors Community Council May 1st,  4-6 pm Armory, 860 Terry Ave N Wallingford Community Council  May 2nd , 7-9pm Good Shepherds Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave Lake Union District Council May 7th,   6-8 pm Fremont Neighborhood Service Center 908 N 34th St Cascade Neighborhood Council    May 16th, 6-7:30 pm Scott Kerner House, 514 Minor Ave N Fremont Neighborhood Council May 21th, 7-9 pm History House, 790 N 34th St Fremont  Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting May 30th, 8-10 am History House 790 N. 34th St

It's Pothole Season! Call 206- 684-ROAD to report potholes. The City is committed to responding to reports within two business days.

Small Sparks Community Development Fund is Waiting!   Do you have ideas for building community that could use up to $250 from the City's Small Sparks program? Small Sparks seeks to bring together new people. The goal is to get new people (e.g. recent immigrants, youth, seniors, and people with disabilities) involved in creative small-scale community building initiatives.  If you have any ideas we would love to hear about them as well as sharing program information with you! Email us your ideas at yun.pitre@seattle.gov .

Visit the Fremont Neighborhood Service Center! We Have Available... Neighborhood Programs and Services New pamphlets are available that explain the City of Seattle's Neighborhood Programs and Services.  Included is information regarding the Neighborhood Matching Fund, P-Patch program, Historic Preservation, and more. North Seattle Herald-Outlook News Published every Wednesday, it covers stories affecting our community. It also contains information on upcoming events in the area. Senior Discount Card and Directory Provided by the Seattle Mayor's Office for Senior Citizens (aged 60 and older) is a discount card and directory of businesses and organizations that give discounts and special offers to seniors. Woodland Park Zoo & Seattle Aquarium Passes Passes for the Woodland Park Zoo and Seattle Aquarium are available at the NSC. These are only for low-income families and there is a limit of 4 per households. Always Available... Information on City Services Neighborhood events and services  City and other job opportunities  Community and neighborhood organization contacts Crime prevention and block watch materials                  Heating and utility assistance List of local food banks     Land use and zoning information  Application Forms Passports   Voter registration Accident reports           Business license  Other Services * Public meeting room available.  Call 206-684-4054 or email yun.pitre@seattle.gov  for more information.

Also, if you would like to be removed from this publication, please email  yun.pitre@seattle.gov with your name and email address and we will make sure you are removed from the list.